Sr. Mary Berigan, SND - Director

Sr. Mary is a Co-founder and Director of Blessing House. She brings 25 years of experience in Elementary Education to her work with children. As a teacher and then a principal, Sr. Mary also worked with children as a coach for basketball and softball, worked with youth choirs and even served as a den mother for a group of cub scouts.

Additionally, Sr. Mary has served as a volunteer child advocate through the CASA program in Lorain County, Voices for Children. As a Board Member for Voices for Children, Sr. Mary was responsible for a concert for local children’s choirs. Sr. Mary was also involved in starting the Rally for Kids Annual event that brings together local agencies, community groups, churches and schools that make people aware of services for children.

Sr. Mary has received the “Make a Difference Award” from Lorain County Children Services,  the “Heart for Kid Award” from Lorain County Voices for Children, and the “Heart of Hope Award” from Beech Brook in recognition of her devotion to children. In 2008, Sr. Mary was one of the initial recipients of the Woman of Compassion Award presented by The Community Foundation of Lorain County.

Sr. Mary has been a Sister of Notre Dame for more than 30 years. She shares her ministry at Blessing House with two Golden Retrievers, Eamon and Charlie. Eamon has been with Sr. Mary since her days as a principal. He especially loved recess! Charlie is a rescue through GRIN.

Donna Humphrey - Business Manager

Donna is a co founder of Blessing House and currently serves as the Business Manager.  Donna has been a CPA for over 30 years and assists with the day to day operations.  Donna helps with bookkeeping and accounting services, human resources, fundraising, marketing and grant writing.

Donna was a guardian ad litem and past board member with Voices for Children.  She also helps out at her church as a choir director.

Donna has 3 grown children, all living in California and is married to Patrick, also known as “Deacon Pat,” Director of Religion at Elyria Catholic High School.

Tracey Hawkins, MSSA, LISW - Program Support Manager

Tracey joined Blessing House in 2007 as the Program Support Manager.  Tracey helps with training and other personnel matters.  Tracey also works with families to help them resolve their situations.

Tracey has worked in the social service arena for 25 years, assisting the homeless and the elderly, in addition to her service to children.  Tracey worked for 10 years with Lorain County Children Services as a caseworker and supervisor.

Tracey enjoys writing in her spare time and has an especially soft heart for her furry friends.